How to choose an easy-to-clean carpet

Carpets can make a room feel warm and cosy, but households considering installing them in their Chester or North Wales home may be concerned about keeping them clean. Interior style expert and journalist Rhiannon Faith Ireland has advised on the best type of carpets that are low maintenance and easy to clean.

Carpets are typically made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene, or natural materials like wool, silk, jute, cotton, and seagrass. With care, all carpets can be cleaned effectively.

Nylon carpets are often treated with solutions that help prevent stains and fading, making them very easy to keep clean.

Polyester provides a wool-like feel at a lower cost, and can be textured to resemble wool. Polyester carpets are also resistant to stains and low maintenance.

Although there is a view that natural fibre carpets are difficult to clean, Rhiannon states that some natural fibre carpets are extremely easy to keep clean. Coir carpets, for example, are low maintenance and won't show stains or dirt, but may feel hard underfoot.

Wool carpets have many benefits, including heat insulation, noise reduction and durability. Rhiannon notes that they are not as low maintenance as synthetic carpets, although the British Wool Organization states that wool evolved to protect sheep from harsh weather and is naturally stain-resistant. Dirt, spills and stains can be removed from wool carpets, provided care is taken and the right tools and solutions are used.

While all carpets require regular vacuuming, professional deep cleaning is recommended at least once a year.